Buying your first DSLR

When buying your first DSLR, one gets so confused with the range to choose from and it can be tough to find the best combination of the features and functions for the amount that you willing to spend on it.

Another dilemma choosing your first dslr could be the fact that you don't know much about the dslrs and what features and functions it can offer. There are many brands and their many different models with many different features and functions. Choosing from such a vast range of options can be very tricky and needs lot of research to know that you get what you want to for your money. This is why I had done my share of research on the web, ask friends/colleagues who own a DSLR already or who know some about abc of photography for advice and suggestions. Read various blogs, articles, comparisons of the various dslrs,  notes from a colleague and posts about the basics of the photography.

One article that I found very convincing and useful about 'buying a dslr' is the main reason that I write this article. I wanted to save this article for a future reference of my own and increase its instances on the web if someone (like me; a newbie to dslr world) searches for some ideas on how to buy a new dslr. The article is found on the link http://mansurovs.com/dslr-purchase-guide. This helped me make a decision on the model that I ended up buying, a Canon 650D shown in the image above.

The summary of things that one, who is new to dslr photography, has to consider when buying first dslr is

1- When buying first dslr and if you have very little knowledge of photography, then do not spend big money rather go for an entry level dslr. Keep it simple as that will help you learn your camera and photography quickly.

2- An entry level dslr will give you enough control and quality of photos to begin with and once you learn how to use it and how to best use the basic functions Aperture, Shutter, Exposure it will be justified then to invest more on your camera.

3- Either you buy a Canon or a Nikon (not sure about other brands since I wanted to buy only one from these two), both the brands have a large range of lenses and that means you can simply buy more lenses with the same body to try on different/advanced options. Make sure the camera you buy does support those lenses (if you'd have to buy later).

4- If you want to take some really good photos in the dark light with your new dslr, then it is wise to invest in a nice tripod because without one it is hard to take a nice clear photo in the dark.

These are the main points (as far as I have learned so far) but there could be more that one will learn as you grow into dslr photography.

In short, suggest to research appropriately before buying your first dslr and it is important to do that since you don't want to regret later since a dslr does not come cheap.

Happy buying your first DSLR !!

It is exciting :-)

The Wisdom Behind Fasting and Its Benefits

Below is a very nice article on the "wisdom behind fasting and its benefits" that I came across on a blog www.muftisays.com. I liked it and thought to keep it for my future reference therefore I am copying it here on my blog (with full reference to the source).

There are innumerable reasons and benefits of fasting. One of the most promenent is habituating oneself with controlling the carnal self. One thereby restrains one's innate desires, as a result of which those good deeds that are normally difficult to carry out become easier. One therefore is able to forsake sin and develops the qualities of piety and abstinence.

Allah سبحانه و تعالى says, "O you who have Imaan! Fasting has been made obligatory for you just as it was made obligatory for those before you (the Jews and Christians), so that you may develop Taqwa (fasting saves a person from sin because it develops self-restraint and drives away the passions that lead to sin.) - Surah Baqara 2:183

Fasting serves as a nutrition for the soul so that the soul gains strength by it. There is nothing as effective as fasting to curb carnal desires and purify the soul. Fasting opens the door to spirituality and lends vitality to one's acts of worship.
 

Reliable books of Ahadith mention that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم once asked, "O Allah! What brings a person closest to You?" Allah سبحانه و تعالى replied, "When a person is hungry and in Sajdah."

Another wisdom behind fasting is that people inculcate the qualities of Allah. Just as Allah سبحانه و تعالى does not need food, drink or carnal passions, the fasting person also does away with these during the fast. Similarly, he also then adopts the qualities of the angels عليهم الصلاة والسلام who are sustained on Dhikr and not on food. The fasting person also gets the golden opportunity to be grateful to Allah during the days of fasting, when he also sympathizes with the poor.

Furthermore, fasting purges the body of toxins and diseases and is especially effective in purging phlegm. Fasting harnesses the love of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and raises a person's stages in the Aakhirah (Hereafter).

Allah سبحانه و تعالى says, "Fasting is for Me and I shall personally reward a person for it." - [Hujjatullah al-Baaligha Vol.1 pg 154]

Another of the thousands of reasons for fasting is that by fasting, a person is fulfilling the command of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, thereby gaining proximity to Him.

And Allah knows best what is most correct.

[Fatawa Rahimiyyah Vol.3 pg 118-119]

by: Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri  رحمه الله

Original Post can is posted here:
http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/2976_01-08-2012/the-wisdom-behind-fasting-and-its-benefits.html

Panoramic Harbour View from my Mobile

Taken one very fine afternoon.

One Hour of my Lunch Break

During the one hour of lunch break I prefer going out for a brisk walk around the block in North Sydney, where I work. It is beautiful around that time when sun is out and shining.
One one such lunch break, I took this walk through the North Sydney Oval Park and there I got a chance to try the camera of my new mobile because the park had so beautiful and rich colours around and it compelled me to capture these on my mobile. A few of these shots I am posting here. The beauty I see in these just make me praise the nature and the creator of all this, ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
It is just so beautiful – I am loving Sydney !
Beautiful addition of the red pole right in the middle of lush green trees.

Walk way & fallen leaves with beautiful scenery in the backdrop.

Sitting benches among trees

Pakistan 2012 - Part 2 Memories

Yay! going to visit family and friends in home country. Pakistan 2012 - Part 1

Aaah! that time of the life of an Expat has come and gone in a flash. It never feels enough time when you are on a holiday visiting your family and friends. Anyway this time the trip was special because little me came home for the first time and it was kind of a surprise visit as we reached one week earlier than what we told our families. So it was all very exciting for us and the surprise was very received as well. Everyone was very happy to see us  home earlier than expected.

Musa's grand parents were very ecstatic to meet him and his uncles and aunts were eager to pick him up. And he loved being the center of attention among all. His (late) phuppo gave him a nick name (which she never ever have given to any other kid), Mithoo.She left everyone of us grieving few days after we've arrived and that was the worst thing that happened during the visit. May her soul rest in higher places of Jannah.Ameen.

In the same time, Butt family was also visiting Pakistan from Sweden and that let Musa meet his cousin brother Ehan and cousin sister Zainab. It was such a pleasure watching grand parents, uncles and aunts loving their grand son that I so wanted them to live with him so that he gets to enjoy their love. However not every wish can be fulfilled, so I just had to agree with the reality that didn't match the wish. He also received  many gifts from them and that caused our luggage to easily cross the allowed luggage limit.

Another highlight of the trip was the delicious Pakistani food that I tried to eat as much as I could in that limited time I had. Although I could not eat all that I thought but still enjoyed whatever I can. For example I had the Hardees Super Star with curly fries at least 4 times during that trip. I just love it !!

The coming back of such trips is always toughest thing for me and it made me feel sad even before I landed there. Thinking about returning makes me home-sick and even though I have been on these trips now for at least 4 times but I think not over it yet. On our way to Allama Iqbal International airport Lahore, I was stuck in a traffic chaos on the Canal road near the Mall Road exit. It took me about 40-50 minutes to get through that chaos and it was then found out that the Police had blocked the under-pass of the Mall road (probably due to some VIP movement - bloody VIPs). It almost costed me to miss my flight. I was very annoyed and I feel bad for the locals that they had put up with that non-sense every day.

Another drama at the airport was at the check-in counter that took sometime before it reached it drop-scene. We were the last one to get the clearance at the check-in counters and through the passport control counters. Musa behaved well on-board and that made our air-travel better that what we thought it could be.

Now that we are back, I am already thinking to plan my next trip in an year's time rather than after 2 years and hoping that I can actually go back in an year's time. Let's see !!

Pakistan 2012

Despite a bit tragic end of 2011 (reference to blog "Goodbye 2011"), 2012 has started with lots of excitement for me as I (and family) will be travelling to Pakistan to visit families and friends. It will be first overseas trip of Musa when he will meet his grand parents, uncles, aunts and cousins.  Everyone there is anxiously waiting to meet little one as they all are counting days (just like we are). Yes this is very exciting !!!

The preparation for such a trip is multi-folded that includes, 1-shopping, 2-shopping, 3-shopping and packing of those shoppings :P and I'm glad that the major part of this preparation is completed (well almost). The packing cannot start until the last 48 hours before we get on-board. 

This time I'm going home after about two years and there are a lots of things to do when I get there. One of the most important (after meeting family of course) is to eat all sorts of local/desi food, hmmm yummy (even the thought of that). The top of the list is 'Halwa Poori', 'Hareesa', 'Muhammadi Nihari', 'Kali Mirch Walay Chanay', 'Bundu Khan ki Handi, Reshmi Kabab, Malai Kabab', 'SnP ka Stuffed Chicken Breast', 'Nadeem Tikka', 'Bhayye k Kabab', 'Liberty Burger', 'Dahi Bhallay' and rest of the list is very long :P 

Along with all the excitement, there is a bit of worry about health that I hope the trip goes without any health issues. The shortage of electricity and gas will also make this trip interesting, aah! There will be lots of travelling involved within Pakistan (I'm expecting although I'd prefer otherwise). 

The trip is going to begin in few days now and I can already see myself at the halwa poori shop, early in the morning "doing the justice" with my craving for it :D

Here is a "screenshot" of the image that I have in my mind, for you :P

With sincere apologies from those having a weak heart :P

Goodbye 2011

What an year 2011 was for me and my family. It brought some of the best moments and blessings in my life and also has brought me across some un-wanted and not so pleasant moments. However these good and not so good moments all are part of life and one should not complain when something is unwanted in the life rather should be thankful to ALMIGHTY for what good has happened and cherish it. Life should be based on all the good memories while learning from the bad ones so that their repetition can be avoided in future.

So here I am being thankful to ALMIGHTY for blessing me any my family with the best gift of life, my son. He brought me the utmost pleasure and joy of life, cannot thank enough to ALLAH. Life has become so beautiful and feels complete. I come home from full day's tiring job, but when I see his smiling face that washes all the tiredness away in a blink. It is just amazing. You've got to be a parent to feel that and to believe it :)

There were few occasions in 2011 that I wish hadn't happened. But I also know everything in life happens for a reason and for that one should not complain about the hard ships of life and lose hope. We should rather take such events as a challenge and work to steer ourselves out of it while taking note of the dos and donts of the whole event. These notes help you throughout your life to avoid the repetition of those unwanted and unpleasant scenes. I have learned as well from these and will try not to let these recur.

This Christmas and new year holidays I was thinking of touring the width and breadth of city but one last little incident of the leaving year 2011 forced me to sit back and relax, avoiding the Christmas rush on the roads and in the car parks of any mall or picnic spots. It gave me the opportunity to catch up with the lost sleep and clean the Macbook's hard drive of the long copied movies ;) It has been a very boring end of the year and holidays. Never hated any holiday period this much before and hope won't have to in future.

Anyway, to close this post and say goodbye 2011 here are a few of the year's highlights to be listed.

1- Birth of my son Mohammad Musa Shakeel
2- Birth of a baby boy (Ehan Ali) and a baby girl (Zainab Batool) to SS' sister and brother's families respectively.
3- Wedding of my cousin Muhammad Rizwan
4- Birth of a baby boy to Rizwan's family.

Thanking for these bright moments of the year, I say goodbye 2011 and welcome 2012 with these hopes and prayers that;

May 2012 bring prosperity, health and contentment for me, my family, relatives and friends. For my country, Pakistan, may it be a year of peace, glory, respect, growth and free from corruption, lawlessness, injustice and inhumanity. Ameen.